Dispenser having a cartridge holder

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a dispenser having a cartridge holder.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a dispenser having a cartridge holder.

Such systems are known in principle from the prior art, for example fromEP 2 017 221 A1 and WO 96/36556 A1, and are used to produce beveragesfrom pre-portioned cartridges. The production of beverages with suchsystems is extremely convenient for the user since he merely has toinsert a cartridge into the dispenser and initiate a starting process.The dispenser, also known as a beverage preparation machine, thenundertakes the production of the beverage in a fully automated manner,i.e., in particular, the foodstuff substrate or beverage substrate isblended with a predetermined quantity of liquid, in particular cold andcarbonated water, and conveyed into a drinking vessel. In this way, inparticular mixed drinks can be produced much more easily, quickly andwith less effort for the user. The user can choose from a large numberof different cartridges here, and so he can produce different beveragesas desired.

The dispenser mentioned at the beginning is thus known from the priorart and is used to produce for example cold beverages by means ofcartridges. It is important for the cartridge to be held securely in thedispenser such that no leaks, but also no back-contamination, takesplace.

SUMMARY

Therefore, it was the object of the present invention to provide adispenser which satisfies these demands. In particular, leak-freebeverage production without back-contamination of the dispenser isintended to be made possible. At the same time, the dispenser isintended to afford a high level of ease of use and be cost-effective torealize. A further object of the present invention is to set theformation of foam on the beverage or foodstuff in a controlled manner.

The object is achieved by a dispenser having a cartridge holder whichhas at least one guide and/or twist prevention means for a cartridgeand/or a cartridge receptacle.

The statements made with regard to this subject of the present inventionapply equally to the other subjects of the present invention and viceversa.

The present invention relates to a dispenser having a cartridge holderwhich mounts the cartridge on the dispenser and supports and/or guidesthe cartridge. The cartridge has a cavity in which a beverage substrateand/or foodstuff substrate is located. This substrate is preferablyliquid and in particular a concentrate and is mixed with a solvent, inparticular water, to produce the beverage or foodstuff and thencollected in a container, in particular a glass, which preferably standson a support of the dispenser, said support being arranged beneath theholder. The beverage substrate and/or foodstuff substrate comprisespreferably liquid premixing constituents for soft drinks, such ascaffeinated, carbonated, fruity and/or sugary sodas and juices, beer(mixed) drinks, or other alcoholic or nonalcoholic (mixed) drinks.

According to the invention, a guide and/or twist prevention means is nowprovided on the cartridge holder. This ensures that the cartridge takesup a particular position relative to the dispenser at least with regardto a spatial direction and also prevents the cartridge from twistingbefore or during the production of the beverage or being inserted in anincorrect orientation. This also ensures that, if the cartridge isequipped with a product identifier which is intended to be read by anidentifier detector of the dispenser, the identifier always faces thedetector, thereby allowing reliable and error-free reading.

Preferably, the cartridge holder has a cutout which at least partiallyreceives the cartridge and/or the cartridge receptacle. Preferably, thecutout in the cartridge holder and the cartridge or cartridge receptaclecooperate at least partially in a form-fitting manner and thus act as asupport and/or twist prevention means. Preferably, the cutout extends asfar as the edge, such that the circumference of the cutout is open atone point. The protuberance in the cartridge receptacle can bepositioned there. Alternatively, the cutout has a protuberance for theprotuberance on the cartridge receptacle.

Alternatively or additionally, the holder has a guide which cooperateswith the circumference of the cartridge receptacle and/or the cartridge.This guide can be for example a standing collar which extends preferablyin the peripheral region of the cutout in the holder. The guide extendspreferably at right angles to the horizontal and prevents the cartridgefrom tipping relative to the vertical.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cutout and/or the guide have anopening for a protrusion/protuberance on the cartridge receptacle, thisbeing able to act as a twist prevention means or as an additionalstabilization means.

Preferably, the holder has a liquid connection. By way of this liquidconnection, the solvent for producing the beverage is made available.The liquid connection of the holder is preferably connected to theliquid inflow in the cartridge receptacle, in particular in aliquid-tight manner. According to a further preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, provision is made for the liquid connection to besupplied with fluid which is cooled by a refrigeration unit, wherein therefrigeration unit is part of the dispenser or of a separaterefrigerator operatively connected to the dispenser. Advantageously, itis thus possible for cold beverages to be produced even when thecartridge is not itself cooled and is at room temperature for example.The integration of the system into an existing refrigerator has theadvantage that the existing refrigeration unit of the refrigerator canbe co-used easily in an efficient manner for the dispenser. Inparticular, in what are known as “side-by-side” refrigerators (oftenalso referred to as American refrigerators), sufficient installationspace for integrating the dispenser can be found in the front. It isconceivable for the dispenser to be a retrofitting set for such arefrigerator. The refrigeration unit comprises preferably a compressorcooling unit, an absorber cooling unit or a thermoelectric cooler.According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,provision is made for the liquid connection to be supplied with fluid towhich carbonic acid is added by a carbonator. It is conceivable for thecarbonator to be part of the dispenser, and for the carbonator to have areceptacle for a CO2 cartridge and a feeding device for adding CO2 fromthe CO2 cartridge to the fluid. Advantageously, it is thus also possibleto produce carbonated (soft) drinks with the system. Alternatively, itwould also be conceivable for the carbonator to have an external CO2connection. The fluid comprises in particular water, which is providedfrom a water pipe or a water tank of the dispenser by means of one ormore pumps, preferably diaphragm pumps. The delivery of the water to theliquid connection is monitored preferably by means of a flow sensor, forexample an ultrasonic flow sensor or a magnetic-inductive flow sensor.

According to the invention, provision is made for the holder to have acompressed-air outlet connected to a compressed-air source. Thecompressed-air outlet acts as a cartridge emptying device and serves tointroduce compressed air from the outside into the cavity of thecartridge, with the result that the foodstuff substrate and/or beveragesubstrate is pushed out of the cavity into a mixing chamber of thecartridge receptacle. The compressed air is provided in particular bythe dispenser. The cartridge receptacle has preferably a gas inletwhich, upon insertion of the cartridge receptacle into the holder, isdirectly coupled to the compressed-air outlet of the holder. This hasthe advantage that back-contamination in the direction of the dispenseris effectively avoided because the pressure duct is immediately underpressure when the cartridge system is inserted into the holder and thusfoodstuff substrate and/or beverage substrate is prevented fromtraveling in the direction of the dispenser and in particular in thedirection of the compressed-air source. Starting from the cavity in thecartridge, the substrate can thus move only in the direction of themixing chamber.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,provision is made for the holder to have a release element in order totransfer a piercing means of the cartridge receptacle from a retractedposition into an extended position. The cartridge is closed preferablywith a membrane, for example a sealing foil. The cartridge receptaclehas preferably a piercing means which is displaceable between aretracted position, in which the piercing means is away from themembrane, and an extended position, in which the piercing means piercesthe membrane and projects into the cavity. The cartridge is thus openedby the piercing means. In order to transfer the piercing means into theextended position, the holder has the release element. It is conceivablefor the release element to comprise a fixed protrusion which, uponinsertion of the cartridge system into the holder, comes into abutmentagainst the piercing means and drives the piercing means into theextended position by way of a relative movement between the cartridgesystem and release element. Particularly preferably, the compressed-airoutlet is integrated into the piercing means.

Preferably, the holder comprises a fastening flange which engages aroundthe cartridge receptacle in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting mannerduring or after insertion into the holder. The fastening flangefurthermore comprises a release mechanism which is configured such thatactuation of the release mechanism results in the fastening flangeengaging around the cartridge receptacle and/or in the fastening flangebeing shifted such that a relative movement between the cartridgereceptacle and the release element in contact with the piercing means isgenerated, with the result that the piercing means is transferred fromthe retracted position into the extended position. The release mechanismcomprises in particular a hand lever for the manual actuation thereof,wherein, preferably, the hand lever is configured to be rotatable aboutan axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe cartridge. Furthermore, the release mechanism preferably comprises atransmission which converts a rotary movement of the hand lever aboutthe axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis into a movementin translation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. Once thecartridge system has been inserted into the holder, the hand lever isactuated by the user, with the result that the cartridge system isfirmly engaged around and shifted linearly towards the release element.The twist prevention means and the conversion of the rotary movementinto the linear movement in translation ensure that the orientation ofthe cartridge relative to the dispenser remains constant. As a result,the reading of the product identifier, which is described in thefollowing text, is advantageously made easier.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,provision is made for the dispenser to have an identifier detector forreading a product identifier on the cartridge and/or the cartridgereceptacle, wherein the identifier detector is arranged preferably aboveand/or behind the holder. Preferably, the product identifier is embeddedin a barcode, an RFID code, a QR code, a data matrix code, a color code,a hologram code or the like. Advantageously, automated reading of theproduct identifier is thus possible. The identifier detector comprisesin particular an optical sensor, for example a CCD camera, whichautomatically reads the barcode or QR code or data matrix code when thecartridge has been inserted into the beverage preparation machine.Alternatively, the identifier detector comprises a transceiver antennafor automatically reading the RFID codes. Alternatively, it would beconceivable for the product identifier also to be embedded in otherautomatically readable computer chips. The term QR code includes, withinthe meaning of the present invention, in particular any data matrixcode. In this regard, the terms QR code and data matrix code are usedsynonymously. Alternatively or additionally, it would also beconceivable for the product identifier to comprise a barcode, a dotcode, a binary code, a Morse code, Braille code (embossed printing) orthe like. The code can in this case also be embedded in athree-dimensional structure, for example a relief. The productidentifier comprises in particular what is known as the productidentification number, in particular a Universal Product Code (UPC), aEuropean Article Number (EAN), a GS1 code, a Global Trade Item Number(GTIN) or the like. In this way, it is not necessary for a new codesystem to be introduced. In particular, the product identifier iscovered by the GS1 standard. The product identifier is preferablyprinted and/or stuck directly onto the cartridge and/or introduced intothe surface of the cartridge, for example by (laser) engraving, stampingor directly during the production of the cartridge. Alternatively, itwould also be conceivable for the cartridge to be at least partiallyencased in a covering, for example a sleeve, on which the productidentifier is arranged. The covering can also be adhesively bonded orwelded to the cartridge. The covering or the sleeve could be producedfrom a plastic film, a textile or paper.

A further or preferred subject of the present invention is a dispenserwhich has a support for a container in which the finished beverage orfoodstuff is collected, wherein the support is intended to be verticallyadjustable and/or pivotable.

Preferably, the support is intended to be pivotable for example about anaxis or about a point such that the container can be set tilted inparticular when the finished beverage or the foodstuff flows in. As aresult, it is possible to influence the formation of foam on thebeverage. The support can be adjusted manually or by a motor. Thedispenser can have a means, for example a camera, which determines thelevel of foam on the beverage or foodstuff, the tilt being changedaccordingly, on the basis of the signal from this means. Furtherpreferably, the cartridge which is used to produce the beverage orfoodstuff can have information above the tilt to be set. According toyet another preferred embodiment, the cartridge has an identifier, usingwhich it can be identified. As soon as the cartridge has beenrecognized, information about the desired tilt of the container isretrievable. The same goes for the container in which the beverage orfoodstuff is collected. The latter can also have information and/or anidentifier with which the desired tilt is able to be determined.Furthermore, the support is preferably vertically adjustable, such thatthe support is adaptable for example to different glass sizes and/or theformation of foam is able to be influenced by the length of the dropdistance.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system having acartridge receptacle and/or a cartridge, wherein the cartridgereceptacle reversibly or irreversibly receives the cartridge, inparticular partially. The cartridge has a cavity in which the beveragesubstance and/or foodstuff substance is located and which ishermetically sealed, in particular by the membrane, prior to beverageand/or foodstuff production. In order to produce the beverage and/or thefoodstuff, the cartridge is then opened, in particular the membrane ispierced, and the substrate runs/flows, in particular supported by theintroduction of compressed air into the cavity, into a mixing chamber ofthe cartridge receptacle, which also has an inflow for a diluent (alsoknown as solvent), in particular a water inflow, which is mixed with thesubstrate in order to produce the finished beverage or foodstuff, whichruns out of the mixing chamber through an outflow likewise provided onthe cartridge receptacle. The volumetric flow of the solvent is in thiscase generally much greater than the volumetric flow of the substrate.The cartridge and the cartridge receptacle connected to the cartridgetogether form a cartridge system which is insertable into the holder ofthe dispenser.

Preferably, the flow cross section, i.e. the cross section which isavailable for the liquid to flow, in particular for the solvent flowand/or the mixture of solvent and substrate, is now provided such that,with regard to the direction of flow of the solvent, the flow rate isfirst of all slowed down and then accelerated again. The accelerationwhich is achieved by a flow cross section constriction takes place asfar as possible after the solvent and the substrate have been blended.

According to a further preferred subject of the present invention, themixing chamber has a protuberance. This protuberance projects preferablyout of the circumference, in particular the lateral circumference, whichextends between the two end sides of the cartridge receptacle.Preferably, the protuberance is part of the mixing chamber. Preferably,the circumference of the mixing chamber has a substantially circularshape and the protuberance projects out of this circular shape.According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the presentinvention, the outflow of the finished beverage or foodstuff is providedin the protuberance.

According to a further preferred subject of the present invention, thecartridge receptacle has a fastening and/or securing ring. Thisfastening and/or securing ring preferably receives the cartridge, whichis fastened to the cartridge receptacle. Preferably, the fasteningand/or securing ring is provided with a predetermined breaking pointand/or predetermined deformation point at the mixing chamber. Before theproduction of a beverage or foodstuff, this point is destroyed and/ordeformed, in particular irreversibly deformed. This can take place forexample by the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle being movedrelative to one another. As a result of the deformation and/ordestruction, the cartridge receptacle can be used only once and/or theinterconnection between the cartridge receptacle and the cartridge canno longer be released.

Preferably, at least one mixing element is provided in the mixingchamber, said mixing element ensuring that the solvent or the mixture ofsolvent and substrate is swirled. Preferably, the mixing element isprovided as a protuberance and/or integral formation in the bottom ofthe mixing chamber. Preferably, the mixing element is designed such thatcarbonic acid which is dissolved in the solvent does not outgas oroutgases only a little. Preferably, the mixing element is designed suchthat it exhibits only a slight pressure drop.

Preferably, the cartridge receptacle has a piercing means whichperforates the membrane before the production of the beverage orfoodstuff. This piercing means is designed for example as a spike whichprojects out of the bottom of the mixing chamber. The cartridgereceptacle has preferably a spike guide in which the piercing means ismounted in a displaceable manner. In this way, the piercing means isdisplaceable between a retracted position, in which the piercing meansis away from the membrane, and an extended position, in which thepiercing means pierces the membrane and projects into the cavity of thecartridge.

Preferably, the piercing means has, on its outer circumference, at leastone, preferably a plurality of indentations and/or protuberances, whichserve as outflow for the substrate. The quantity and size of theindentations and/or protuberances depend preferably on the viscosity ofthe substrate. The outer wall of the piercing means is thus providedwith at least one lateral channel for conveying the substrate in thedirection of the mixing chamber when the membrane has been pierced.Through the lateral channel formed laterally on the piercing means, thesubstrate can then flow past the membrane in the direction of the mixingchamber. Preferably, a plurality of lateral channels are formed on thepiercing means. The lateral channels are in particular each configuredin the form of a groove that is open on one side. It is conceivable forthe cross section of the lateral channels and/or the number of thelateral channels to be adapted to the viscosity of the substrate, suchthat the lateral channels control or limit the flow of the substrate inthe direction of the mixing chamber. At a high viscosity, a plurality oflateral channels or lateral channels with a relatively large crosssection are used, while, at a lower viscosity, fewer lateral channels orlateral channels with a smaller cross section are provided. Thus, amatching cartridge receptacle exists for each cartridge.

Preferably, a compressed-air line, in particular in the form of aninternal duct, is integrated into the piercing means, wherein acompressed-air connection of the compressed-air line for connecting to acompressed-air source is formed on a side of the piercing means that isremote from the cartridge, said compressed-air connection beingaccessible in particular from outside the cartridge receptacle, andwherein a compressed-air outlet of the compressed-air line for blowingthe compressed air into the cartridge is formed on a side of thepiercing means that faces the cavity of the cartridge. Preferably,compressed air is already applied to the compressed-air connection whenthe cartridge system made up of the cartridge and cartridge receptacleis inserted into the holder, in order to prevent any back-contaminationof the dispenser. Alternatively, the piercing means is moved from theretracted position into the extended position by the compressed airapplied via the dispenser. Rather than compressed air, it is alsopossible for CO2 to be introduced into the cavity in order to transferthe substrate from the cavity into the mixing chamber.

Preferably, the piercing means thus has a channel which ends in or inthe region of the tip. Through this channel, it is possible for a gas,in particular air or CO₂, to be blown into the cartridge in order toaccelerate and/or to meter the dispensing of the substrate.

The system is preferably configured such that the compressed-airconnection is coupled to the compressed-air outlet of the holder whenthe cartridge receptacle has been inserted into the holder and/or therelease mechanism for the fastening flange is actuated. Thecompressed-air line is thus pressurized as early as possible such thatback-contamination of the dispenser by the substrate is prevented.

Preferably, the inflow and the outflow are provided at opposite ends ofthe cartridge receptacle. Particularly preferably, the piercing means isprovided in a manner aligned with the inflow and the outflow.

According to a further preferred subject of the present invention, theoutlet is provided in a movable, in particular pivotable, manner on themixing chamber, or has a means with which the outlet can be oriented, inparticular in the direction of the side wall of the vessel whichreceives the finished beverage or foodstuff. This embodiment isadvantageous in particular in the case of beverages or foodstuffs thattend to foam. The outlet can be moved manually or by a motor. In theevent that the cartridge has an identification, the pivoting can takeplace automatically after the dispenser has recognized the cartridge.Furthermore, a means may be provided which determines the foam. On thebasis of this analysis, the outlet can then be set.

The cartridge is produced preferably from plastic, in particular by amolding and/or blow-molding process. The cartridge has a side wall whichhas for example a round, rectangular, square, conical or oval crosssection. A bottom is generally provided, in particular in one piece, atone end of the side wall. The side wall and optionally the bottom regiondefine a cavity in which a beverage substrate and/or foodstuffsubstrate, in particular in liquid form, is provided. Provided at theother end of the wall region is a connecting region by way of which thecartridge is connected to the cartridge receptacle. This cartridgereceptacle can be part of a dispenser or a component separate from thedispenser.

Preferably, the connecting region is provided such that it has at leastone flange. The flange protrudes from the connecting region and projectsfrom a wall region of the connecting region preferably at an angle,particularly preferably at right angles. In order to produce thebeverage or foodstuff, the flange is oriented preferably horizontally.Preferably, the flange is made of solid material, i.e. not manufacturedin a hollow manner. In particular, the flange is injection-molded.

Further preferably, the flange is provided with a positioning and/orcovering means. The positioning means ensures that the cartridge can bearranged on the dispenser and/or on the cartridge receptacle only in aparticular position, in particular at a particular angle of rotation, inparticular with regard to the longitudinal center axis of the cartridge.The covering means covers a region, in particular a region through whichthe finished beverage or foodstuff flows out. Preferably, thepositioning means and the covering means are identical.

Preferably, the positioning means and/or covering means is anindentation and/or protuberance which protrudes from the flange, inparticular the circumference thereof. Preferably, the positioning meansand/or covering means is provided in one piece with the flange. Forexample, the positioning means and/or covering means is configured as alug which is integrally formed at one point on the circumference of theflange. The thickness of the positioning means and/or covering meanscorresponds in this case at least substantially to the thickness of theflange.

According to one preferred embodiment, a neck is provided between thewall region and the connecting region. This neck can have for example around cross section. The neck represents the wall region of theconnecting region. The flange adjoins the neck preferably at rightangles.

Preferably, the membrane which closes, in particular hermetically seals,the cartridge before it is used, is provided on the flange, inparticular the end face thereof, in particular in a sealed manner. Tothis end, the flange, in particular the end face thereof, can have abead, in particular a bead in the form of a circular ring, whichcooperates with the sealing tool during sealing. Preferably, the outercircumference of the membrane is less than the outer circumference ofthe flange.

Preferably, a fastening means is provided in the wall region and/or inthe region of the neck. By way of this fastening means, the cartridgecan be connected to a dispenser. The fastening means can be for examplea groove in which a fastening means on the dispenser engages.

The cartridge receptacle can be connected fixedly to the cartridge or bea replacement part which is removed from the cartridge after the latterhas been used, and is connected to a new cartridge. Preferably, thecartridge receptacle is made of plastic, in particular byinjection-molding. Preferably, the cartridge receptacle is connected toa dispenser.

Preferably, the covering means, which is provided on the flange of thecartridge, covers the outflow of the cartridge receptacle.

Preferably, the flange on the cartridge, in particular the circumferencethereof, cooperates in a sealing manner with the cartridge receptacle.To this end, the circumference of the flange can engage for example in agroove in the cartridge receptacle. This flange/groove connection canalso serve as a force-fit, in order to prevent the cartridge fromshifting relative to the cartridge receptacle during beverage orfoodstuff production and the connection between the cartridge andcartridge receptacle losing its tightness.

According to one preferred embodiment, the cartridge and the cartridgereceptacle are provided to be longitudinally displaceable with respectto one another, in particular before the membrane is pierced. As aresult of this longitudinal displacement, the piercing means can then bebrought into engagement with the membrane and pierce the latter.

Preferably, the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle are connectedtogether in a rotationally fixed manner.

Preferably, the piercing means has a channel. Through this channel, agas can be pushed into the cartridge, which pushes the beveragesubstrate and/or foodstuff substrate out of the cartridge, in particularinto the mixing space of the cartridge receptacle.

A further subject of the present invention is a method for producing abeverage with the system according to the invention, characterized bythe following steps:

-   -   inserting a cartridge system made up of a cartridge and        cartridge receptacle into the holder,    -   establishing a fluidic connection between a fluid source of the        dispenser and the inflow of the cartridge receptacle,    -   establishing a compressed-air connection between a        compressed-air source of the dispenser and a compressed-air        connection of the cartridge receptacle,    -   perforating the membrane by transferring the piercing means from        the retracted position into the extended position,    -   transferring the beverage substrate and/or foodstuff substrate        from the cartridge into the mixing chamber by injecting        compressed air into the cartridge through the compressed-air        connection,    -   injecting a diluent into the mixing chamber through the inflow,        and    -   discharging the beverage produced in the mixing chamber by        blending the beverage substrate and/or foodstuff substrate with        the diluent by means of the outflow.

Preferably, the diluent is cooled and/or carbonated before beinginjected into the inflow.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, provisionis made for the piercing means to be transferred from the retractedposition into the extended position by a release element of thedispenser, wherein the cartridge receptacle is preferably moved againstthe fixed release element such that the piercing means is transferredfrom the retracted position into the extended position. As a result ofthe piercing means being transferred into the extended position, themembrane is perforated and the cartridge thus opened. The fixed releaseelement merely has to move the cartridge system relative to the holder.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,provision is made, during or after the insertion of the cartridge systeminto the holder, for a fastening flange of the holder to be operated bya release mechanism that is actuable manually or by a motor, such thatthe fastening flange engages around the cartridge receptacle in aform-fitting and/or force-fitting manner, and/or such that the fasteningflange is shifted such that a relative movement between the cartridgereceptacle and the release element in contact with the piercing means isgenerated, with the result that the piercing means is transferred fromthe retracted position into the extended position. It is conceivable forthe fastening flange to comprise claws that are movable together,approach one another by way of the release mechanism and in this wayclamp the cartridge receptacle between one another. Subsequently or atthe same time, the fastening flange moves against the fixed releaseelement in order to move the piercing means in the interior of thecartridge receptacle against the membrane of the cartridge.

Preferably, the release mechanism is actuated by manual pivoting of ahand lever about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cartridge. In this case, the release mechanismconverts the rotary movement of the hand lever about the axis ofrotation parallel to the longitudinal axis into a movement intranslation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis by means ofa transmission, with the result that the fastening flange is moved inthe direction of the release element. This has the advantage that theorientation of the cartridge about its longitudinal axis remainsconstant, such that, in particular, the position of the productidentifier relative to the identifier detector does not change.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention,provision is made, temporally before, during or after the insertion ofthe cartridge system into the holder and/or the injection of compressedair into the cartridge and/or the injection of the diluent into themixing chamber and/or the shifting of the fastening flange with respectto the release element, for the product identifier to be read by theidentifier detector. The read product identifier is preferably evaluatedby an evaluation unit, wherein the injection of the compressed airand/or of the diluent and/or the shifting of the fastening flange withrespect to the release element takes place only when the productidentifier can be verified by the evaluation unit. This ensures that thedispenser can be put into operation only with known cartridge systems orcartridge systems that are certified for the dispenser, and so damage tothe dispenser or a risk of injury to the user on account of theaccidental use of incorrect cartridge systems which, for example, cannotwithstand the pressure are avoided.

It is also conceivable for the properties of the injected diluent and inparticular the temporal profile of the volumetric flow, overall volume,pressure, delivery pauses, temperature and/or carbonation of theinjected diluent to be controlled depending on the verified productidentifier. Alternatively or additionally, the properties of theinjected compressed air and in particular the temporal profile of thevolumetric flow, overall volume, delivery pauses and/or pressure of theinjected compressed air are also controlled depending on the verifiedproduct identifier. Preferably, the ratio between the volumetric flow ofthe diluent and the volumetric flow of the compressed air is alsocontrolled depending on the verified product identifier. Embedded in theproduct identifier are in particular all parameters and/or variables ofthe beverage production process that are settable by the dispenser, suchthat the dispenser obtains all the information from the cartridge whichis necessary or at least helpful for the production of the particularbeverage. It is also conceivable for this information to be stored in aninternal memory of the dispenser and to be retrieved with the aid of theproduct identifier for the particular cartridge, and to be used tocontrol the subsequent beverage production process as soon as thepresence of this cartridge in the holder is detected.

Yet another subject of the present invention or a further preferredembodiment of the method is a or the abovementioned method for producinga beverage or foodstuff in which, in order to influence the foam on thebeverage or foodstuff, the volumetric flow of a solvent, in particularwater, is controlled or regulated.

The statements made with regard to this subject of the present inventionapply equally to the other subjects and vice versa.

According to the invention, the volumetric flow is regulated orcontrolled in order to influence the foam on the beverage or foodstuff.For example, the quantity of foam, in particular measured as foam level,can be influenced such that, during the production of the beverage orfoodstuff, more or less foam arises. Alternatively or additionally,quality of the foam can be changed by regulating or controlling thevolumetric flow of the solvent. In particular, it is possible to createbubbles that are small on average and thus a more stable foam, orbubbles that are larger on average and thus a more unstable foam.

Preferably, a means is provided which senses at least one parameter ofthe foam, for example the level thereof. On the basis of the signal fromthis means, the volumetric flow of the solvent is then regulated orcontrolled. For example, the means is a camera. Alternatively oradditionally, however, it is also possible for a volumetric flow profilethat is fixed for the particular substrate to be followed.

For example, the solvent is metered in particular into a mixing chamberor the cartridge itself in an intermittent manner. In the mixing chamberor in the cartridge, the solvent is mixed with the substrate.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thesubstrate in the cartridge is metered proportionally ornon-proportionally to the volumetric flow of the solvent.

Yet a further embodiment according to the invention or preferredembodiment of the present invention relates to a method in which, inorder to influence a level of foam on the beverage or foodstuff, theinclination of a container, in which the beverage or foodstuff iscollected, is changed.

The statements made with regard to this subject of the present inventionapply equally to the other subjects of the present invention and viceversa.

Preferably, the inclination is controlled and/or regulated as a functionof time and/or of the filling level in the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following text, the invention is explained by way of FIGS. 1 to 9b. These explanations are merely by way of example and do not limit thegeneral concept according to the invention. The explanations apply tothe cartridge according to the invention and to the system according tothe invention equally.

FIG. 1 shows the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle of the systemaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 2-5 show a dispenser and a system according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 6a to 6c show a cartridge of a system according to a secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show a cartridge receptacle of the system according tothe second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8a and 8b show a piercing means of the cartridge receptacle of thesystem according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9a and 9b show a dispenser and a system according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a cartridge system which consists of a cartridge 1 and acartridge receptacle 10. The cartridge 1 is manufactured preferably froma plastic material, for example by injection-molding or by ablow-molding technique. The cartridge 1 has an, in the present casesquare, wall region 6, the in this case upper end of which is adjoinedby a bottom region 7. The wall region 6 and the bottom region 7 delimita cavity in which the beverage substrate and/or foodstuff substrate, inparticular a concentrate, is located, with which a beverage or foodstuffcan be produced. At the opposite end of the wall region 6 from thebottom region 7, in this case the lower end, a connecting region 4 isprovided, which in the present case has a neck 3 and a flange 5. Thecavity of the cartridge 1 is hermetically sealed by a closure, in thiscase a membrane 14, after it has been filled. The membrane 14, inparticular a plastic foil is connected to the flange 5 preferablycohesively, in particular by sealing. By way of the connecting region 4,the cartridge 1 is connected to a cartridge receptacle 10. Optionally, apositioning and/or covering means 8, which in the present case isprovided as a protuberance, in particular as a lug-like protuberance, isprovided on the flange 5. The lug is in this case integrally formed onthe flange 5. Furthermore, the cartridge system has a cartridgereceptacle 10. The cartridge receptacle 10 has an inflow 15 for adiluent (also referred to as solvent), which preferably comprises water,and a mixing chamber 13 in which the diluent and the beverage substrateand/or foodstuff substrate are mixed together. The direction of flow ofthe mixture is indicated by the arrow 12. The finishedbeverage/foodstuff leaves the mixing chamber 13 through the outflow 11and is collected in a container (not illustrated), for example adrinking glass. Furthermore, the cartridge receptacle 10 has a piercingmeans 16, in this case a spike, which pierces the membrane 14, which issealed to the flange region 5 of the cartridge 1, such that the beveragesubstrate or foodstuff substrate can flow into the mixing chamber 13 inparticular along the outer face of the spike, which is providedpreferably with lateral channels 17 on its outer side for this purpose.

In order to pierce the membrane 14, the cartridge 1 and/or the cartridgereceptacle 10 are moved together in a relative manner and longitudinallysuch that the spike 16 penetrates the membrane 14. Alternatively, thespike 16 is mounted in a longitudinally displaceable manner in a spikeguide 28 of the cartridge receptacle 10, such that no relative movementbetween the cartridge receptacle 10 and the cartridge 1 is necessary,but rather only the spike 16 is transferred from a retracted position,in which it is away from the membrane 14 (see FIG. 1), into an extendedposition, in which it pierces the membrane 14 and projects into thecavity.

The flow of the substrate into the mixing chamber 13 can be acceleratedand controlled in a targeted manner by gas which is pushed into thecavity of the cartridge 1 through a duct 18 in the piercing spike 16.For example, the pressure in the cartridge 1 and thus the volumetricflow of the substrate can be adapted to the volumetric flow of thesolvent. This can be of interest in particular when, in order toinfluence the formation of foam, the volumetric flow of the solvent iscontrolled or regulated in a targeted manner. The volumetric flow of thesubstrate is then preferably adapted to the volumetric flow of thesolvent.

Preferably, the flange 5 of the cartridge 1 cooperates in a sealingmanner with the cartridge receptacle 10 and as a result ensures thatliquid leaves the mixing chamber 13 only through the outflow 5.Furthermore, it is apparent in particular from these figures that theprotuberance 8 in the present case is not only a positioning means butalso covers the outflow 11 in the cartridge receptacle in particular ina sealing manner. The flange 8 and the protuberance 8 provided thereoncan cooperate in a sealing manner, by way of their end face and/or byway of their circumference, with corresponding faces of the cartridgereceptacle.

FIGS. 2 to 5 show the holder 24 of the dispenser, and the systemaccording to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates the holder 24,into which the cartridge system shown in FIG. 1 and in particular thecartridge receptacle 10 of the cartridge system is insertable, withoutthe cartridge system. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the cartridge system has beeninserted into the holder 24. In FIG. 5, the cartridge system and theholder 24 are illustrated separately from one another.

The holder 24 has a cutout 26 which at least partially receives thecartridge receptacle 10. It can be seen in particular from FIG. 4 thatthat part of the cartridge receptacle 10 that reaches into the cutout 26can cooperate in a form-fitting manner therewith. FIGS. 2 and 3furthermore illustrate particularly clearly that the cutout 26 extendsas far as the edge of the holder 24, such that an opening arises there,into which the outflow 11 of the mixing chamber 13 projects. As aresult, a first twist prevention means is provided. Furthermore, theholder 24 can have a guide 25 which cooperates with the circumference ofthe cartridge receptacle 10 in a form-fitting manner and supports thecartridge in particular against tilting out of the vertical. This guide25, too, can have a cutout out of which the outflow 11 can project. Heretoo, the outflow 11, in conjunction with the guide, prevents thecartridge receptacle 10 from turning relative to the holder 24.Preferably, the holder 24 has a pipe 22 as liquid connection, which isconnected to a solvent reservoir (also referred to as reservoir for thediluent or fluid source). When the cartridge receptacle 10 is insertedinto the holder 24, a fluidic connection between the pipe 22 and aninflow 15 of the cartridge receptacle 10 is created, with the resultthat the diluent flowing in via the pipe 22 passes into the mixingchamber 13.

The outflow 11 of the cartridge receptacle 10 can be provided in apivotable manner in order in particular to change the angle at which thejet of finished beverage or foodstuff flows into the vessel. If the jetis conveyed for example in the direction of the wall of a containerwhich receives the finished beverage or foodstuff, it is possible as aresult to reduce for example formation of foam. Alternatively oradditionally, a support on which the container stands can be tilted suchthat, in turn, the angle at which the jet of the finished beverage orfoodstuff strikes the wall is changed. It is also possible in this wayto influence the formation of foam.

FIGS. 6a to 6c show schematic views of the cartridge 1 of the cartridgesystem of the system according to an exemplary second embodiment. It isapparent that the cartridge 2 comprises a bottle-like object withrounded corners, flattened longitudinal sides and a cartridge opening onan opposite side from the bottom region 7 along the longitudinal axis ofthe cartridge 1. In the region of the cartridge opening, the cartridge 1has two circumferential retaining flanges 5 onto which the cartridgereceptacle 10 is clip-fastened. One side of the cartridge 1 of theotherwise round or rounded cartridge 1 has a flattened region 29. In theflattened region, preferably the product identifier is applied.

FIGS. 7a, 7b and 7c show schematic views of a cartridge receptacle 10 ofthe cartridge system of the system of the exemplary second embodiment ofthe present invention. The cartridge receptacle 10 has, on both sides,an at least partially circumferential latching strip 30 by way of whichthe cartridge receptacle 10 is clip-fastened onto the retaining flanges5 of the cartridge 1. Furthermore, the cartridge receptacle 10 has themixing chamber 13, in the rear side of which the inflow 15 is formed inthe form of a simple passage opening in the wall of the cartridgereceptacle 10. The inflow 15 is intended to be connected to a pipe 22which is fluidically connected to the water reservoir, as soon as thecartridge system is inserted into the holder 24. In this way, optionallycooled and/or carbonated water can flow from the dispenser into themixing chamber 13. On the front side, the beverage outflow 11 is formedin the bottom of the mixing chamber 8. The bottom of the mixing chamber8 forms, in the direction of the beverage outflow 11, a continuouslydeepening recess such that, following completion of the beverageproduction process, no liquid residues remain in the mixing chamber 13.Additionally, the spike guide 28, in which the piercing means 16illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b is mounted in a displaceable manner, canbe seen virtually centrally within the mixing chamber 13 in FIGS. 7a to7 c.

For this purpose, the spike guide 80 comprises a guide part with aninternal guide channel in which the piercing spike is accommodated in adisplaceable manner. The guide channel is formed in a substantiallycylindrical manner and protrudes virtually perpendicularly from thebottom of the mixing chamber 13 in the direction of the cartridge 1.Formed at an end of the guide part that faces the cartridge 1 is acircumferential stop with a reduced diameter, against which acircumferential shoulder of the piercing spike butts when the piercingspike 16 arrives in the extended position. The stop thus limits themovement of the piercing spike 16 in the direction of the cavity 6.Optionally arranged on the bottom of the mixing chamber 13 are mixingstructures which cause the water flowing in to swirl and thus improvethe blending of the substrate and the water.

FIGS. 8a and 8b illustrate detailed views of the piercing means 16 (alsoreferred to as piercing spike) of the cartridge receptacle 10 of thesystem according to the second exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

The piercing spike 16 is configured to be arranged in a longitudinallydisplaceable manner in the spike guide 28. It is thus transferable froma retracted starting position, in which the piercing means 16 is awayfrom the membrane 14, into an extended position, in which the piercingmeans 16 pierces the membrane 14 and projects into the cavity of thecartridge 1.

The piercing means 16 is transferred from the retracted position intothe extended position by means of a release element of the dispenser.

Integrated into the piercing spike 16 is the compressed-air line 31(also referred to as duct 22) that extends along the piercing spike 16.The compressed-air line 31 extends virtually centrally within thepiercing spike 16 from a first end of the piercing spike 16 to a secondend of the piercing spike 16. At the first end of the piercing spike 16,a compressed-air connection 40, accessible from outside the cartridgereceptacle 10, of the compressed-air line 31 is formed, saidcompressed-air connection 40 being intended to be connected to acompressed-air outlet 32, fluidically connected to a compressed-airsource of the dispenser, on the holder 24. Formed at the second end is acompressed-air outlet of the compressed-air line 31 for blowing thecompressed air into the cavity of the cartridge 1 when the piercingspike 16 is in the extended position, with the result that the substrateis then pushed into the mixing chamber 13.

The system is configured such that the compressed-air connection 40 ofthe piercing means 16 is immediately coupled to the compressed-airoutlet 32 of the holder 24 as soon as the cartridge receptacle 10 hasbeen inserted into the holder 24 and/or a release mechanism for thefastening flange is actuated.

The outer wall of the piercing means 16 is configured with a pluralityof and in particular precisely five lateral channels 17, extendingvirtually parallel to one another, for conveying the substrate in thedirection of the mixing chamber 13 when the membrane 14 is pierced.Through the lateral channels formed laterally on the piercing means 16,the substrate can then flow past the membrane 14 in the direction of themixing chamber 13. The lateral channels 17 are each configured in theform of a groove that is open on one side. It is conceivable for thecross section of the lateral channels and/or the number of the lateralchannels to be adapted to the viscosity of the substrate, such that thelateral channels 17 control or limit the flow of the substrate in thedirection of the mixing chamber 13. The piercing spike 16 is preferablyconfigured as a plastic part and particularly preferably as aninjection-molded plastic part.

FIGS. 9a and 9b now illustrate a dispenser and a system according to athird embodiment of the present invention.

The system comprises a cartridge system consisting of the cartridge 1explained with reference to FIGS. 6a to 6c and the cartridge receptacle10 explained with reference to FIGS. 7a to 8b . The cartridge 1 andcartridge receptacle 10 are connected together, in particularclip-fastened.

The dispenser of the system comprises a holder 24 into which thecartridge system is inserted manually by the user.

The holder 24 comprises the compressed-air outlet 32, which, followingthe insertion of the cartridge system into the holder 24, enters into afluidic connection with the compressed-air connection 40 on the piercingmeans 16 of the cartridge receptacle 10. The compressed-air outlet 32 ofthe dispenser is connected via a flexible line 33 to a compressed-airsource of the dispenser, for example to a compressor in the interior ofthe housing of the dispenser, such that the compressed-air line 31 inthe interior of the piercing means 16 is pressurized. It is alsoconceivable for the compressed-air source of the dispenser to comprisean exchangeable gas cartridge. The compressed-air outlet 32 isconfigured as a fixed element and thus comprises at the same time therelease element, which transfers the piercing means 16 from itsretracted starting position into the extended position, in which itpierces the membrane 14 and the compressed-air outlet is arranged withinthe cavity of the cartridge 1.

The holder 24 also has the liquid connection 35 (also referred to aspipe 22 in FIG. 2), through which water from a water reservoir of thedispenser is fed to the water inflow 15 of the cartridge receptacle 10.The water reservoir comprises in particular a removable water tank, fromwhich water is removed by means of one or more pumps and fed underpressure to the water inflow 15. Preferably, the connection between thefluid feed and the water inflow 15 is established directly as soon asthe cartridge system is inserted into the holder 24. Before being fed tothe water inflow 15, the water from the water tank is optionally alsocarbonated (i.e. carbonic acid is added) within the dispenser by meansof a carbonator and/or cooled by means of a cooling unit. The coolingunit comprises in particular a cooling circuit with a compressor and islikewise integrated into the housing of the dispenser, as is thecarbonator.

The holder 24 also comprises a fastening flange 34, which engages aroundthe cartridge receptacle 10 in a form-fitting and/or force-fittingmanner upon insertion into the holder. The fastening flange 34 to thisend comprises at least two claws 37 which engage radially around thecartridge receptacle 10. The holder 24 also has a release mechanism foractuating the fastening flange 34. The release mechanism comprises forexample a hand lever, to be actuated manually by the user, on the holder24, said hand lever being pivotable about an axis of rotationsubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 2 whenit is actuated. The hand lever is coupled to the claws 37 of thefastening flange 34 via a transmission such that, as a result of thepivoting of the hand lever, the claws 37 are moved toward one anotherand receive or clamp the cartridge receptacle 10 between one another ina form-fitting manner.

At the same time, the transmission converts the rotary movement of thehand lever into a downward linear movement in translation of thefastening flange 34, such that the entire cartridge system is lowered.The cartridge receptacle 10 is thus moved relative to the fixed releaseelement 36 such that the piercing means 16 butts against the releaseelement 36, with the result that the piercing means 16 is moved from theretracted position into the extended position. As a result, the membrane14 is perforated. It is also conceivable for the fluidic connectionbetween the compressed-air outlet 32 and the compressed-air connection40 to be established only as a result of the cartridge receptacle 10being lowered relative to the release element 36. The transmissionproduces the conversion and lowering movement by way of a screw jack.

As a result of the compressed air being introduced into the cavity andthe water being introduced into the mixing chamber 13, the beverageproduction process is now initiated and the beverage produced in themixing chamber 14 can pass through the outflow 11 into a drinking vesselarranged beneath the outflow 11 on a support of the dispenser. Thesupport is provided in particular in a pivotable and/or verticallyadjustable manner.

In its flattened region 28 facing the housing of the dispenser, thecartridge 1 has the product identifier 38. The product identifier 38 inthis case comprises a QR code in which information about the substratepresent in the cavity is embedded. Arranged on the opposite side on thehousing of the dispenser is an identifier detector 39 in the form of anoptical camera, in particular a CCD camera. The QR code is detected bythe optical camera and evaluated by means of an evaluation unit of thedispenser. In this way, the dispenser recognizes which type of cartridge1 and/or substrate the cartridge system inserted into the holder 24 is.On the basis of this information, information about the preparation ofthe beverage with the aid of the substrate located in the cartridge 1can optionally be loaded from an internal memory of the dispenser. Inparticular, nominal values for the temporal and absolute profile of thevolumetric flow, the temperature, the pressure and/or the carbonation ofthe injected water, or the temporal and absolute profile of thevolumetric flow and/or the pressure of the injected compressed air arespecified thereby. It is also conceivable for the ratio between thevolumetric flow of the diluent and the volumetric flow of the compressedair to be controlled depending on the verified product identifier, inorder, in the case of the beverage produced, to achieve the optimalresults in terms of appearance and taste for the particular cartridgetype.

Following the production of the beverage, the hand lever can be pivotedback by the user, with the result that the cartridge system is raisedagain. The cartridge system released in this way can now be removed fromthe dispenser and disposed of or recycled.

The present teachings envision any of the following features of adispenser in any combination: the dispenser has a cartridge holder, thecartridge holder has at least one guide and/or twist prevention meansfor a cartridge and/or a cartridge receptacle; the cartridge holder hasa cutout which at least partially receives the cartridge and/or thecartridge receptacle; the cutout and the cartridge or cartridgereceptacle cooperate at least partially in a form-fitting manner; theholder has a guide which cooperates with the circumference of thecartridge receptacle; the cutout and/or the guide have an opening for aprotrusion on the cartridge receptacle; the holder has a liquidconnection; the holder has a compressed-air outlet connected to acompressed-air source; the holder has a release element in order totransfer a piercing means of the cartridge receptacle from a retractedposition into an extended position; the holder comprises a fasteningflange which engages around the cartridge receptacle in a form-fittingand/or force-fitting manner during or after insertion into the holder;the fastening flange comprises a release mechanism which is configuredsuch that actuation of the release mechanism results in the fasteningflange engaging around the cartridge receptacle and/or in the fasteningflange being shifted such that a relative movement between the cartridgereceptacle and the release element in contact with the piercing means isgenerated, with the result that the piercing means is transferred fromthe retracted position into the extended position, the release mechanismcomprises a hand lever for the manual actuation thereof; the hand leveris configured to be rotatable about an axis of rotation substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge; the releasemechanism comprises a transmission which converts a rotary movement ofthe hand lever about the axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinalaxis into a movement in translation substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis, such as raising or lowering of the cartridgereceptacle; the dispenser has an identifier detector for reading aproduct identifier on the cartridge and/or the cartridge receptacle; theidentifier detector is arranged above and/or behind the holder; thedispenser has a support for a container in which the finished beverageor foodstuff is collected; and the support is intended to be pivotableand/or vertically adjustable.

The present teachings envision any of the following features of a systemin any combination: the system having a dispenser as disclosed herein,and a cartridge receptacle and/or a cartridge the cartridge receptaclehas an inflow for a diluent, in particular water, a mixing chamber inwhich the diluent and a beverage substrate and/or foodstuff substrateare mixed, and an outflow; with regard to the direction of flow of thediluent, the flow cross section is preferably first expanded and thenreduced again; the mixing chamber has a protuberance; the outflow isprovided in the protuberance; the cartridge is closed by means of amembrane, and in that the cartridge receptacle has a piercing means forperforating the membrane; the cartridge receptacle has a spike guide inwhich the piercing means is mounted in a displaceable manner; thepiercing means is displaceable between a retracted position, in whichthe piercing means is away from the membrane, and an extended position,in which the piercing means pierces the membrane of the cartridge andprojects into the cartridge; at least one lateral channel for conveyingthe beverage substrate and/or foodstuff substrate in the direction ofthe mixing chamber when the membrane is pierced by the piercing meanshas been introduced into the outer wall of the piercing means; acompressed-air line is integrated into the piercing means; acompressed-air connection of the compressed-air line for connecting to acompressed-air source is formed on a side of the piercing means that isremote from the cartridge, the compressed-air connection beingaccessible in particular from outside the cartridge receptacle; acompressed-air outlet of the compressed-air line for blowing thecompressed air into the cartridge is formed on a side of the piercingmeans that faces the cartridge; the system is configured such that thecompressed-air connection is coupled to the compressed-air outlet of theholder when the cartridge receptacle has been inserted into the holderand/or the release mechanism for the fastening flange is actuated; theinflow and the outflow are provided at opposite ends of the cartridgereceptacle; the piercing means is provided in a manner aligned with theinflow and the outflow; a cartridge is provided on or in the cartridgereceptacle; the cartridge has a wall region, one end of which isadjoined by a connecting region which is closed, in particular by themembrane, and at the opposite end of which optionally a bottom region isprovided; the wall region and optionally the bottom region define acavity which accommodates a beverage substrate and/or foodstuffsubstrate; the connecting region has at least one flange which isprovided with a positioning means and/or covering means; the positioningmeans and/or covering means is an indentation and/or protrusion whichprotrudes from the flange, in particular the circumference thereof; aneck is provided between the wall region and the connecting region; themembrane is fastened, in particular sealed to the flange; the cartridgereceptacle is fastened, in particular releasably, to the connectingregion of the cartridge; the flange cooperates in a sealing manner withthe cartridge receptacle; the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle areconnected together in a rotationally fixed manner; the covering meanscovers the outflow of the cartridge receptacle; the cartridge isprovided with a product identifier; the product identifier is preferablyarranged on a side of the cartridge that faces the identifier detector;and the cartridge has a substantially planar surface portion in theregion of the product identifier.

The present teachings envision any of the following steps or features ofa method in any combination: the method produces a beverage with asystem as disclosed herein; the method includes the following steps: a)inserting a cartridge system made up of a cartridge and cartridgereceptacle into the holder, b) establishing a fluidic connection betweena fluid source of the dispenser and the inflow of the cartridgereceptacle, c) establishing a compressed-air connection between acompressed-air source of the dispenser and a compressed-air connectionof the cartridge receptacle, d) perforating the membrane by transferringthe piercing means from the retracted position into the extendedposition, e) transferring the beverage substrate and/or foodstuffsubstrate from the cartridge into the mixing chamber by injectingcompressed air into the cartridge through the compressed-air connection,f) injecting a diluent into the mixing chamber through the inflow, andg) discharging the beverage produced in the mixing chamber by blendingthe beverage substrate and/or foodstuff substrate with the diluent bymeans of the outflow; the diluent is cooled and/or carbonated beforebeing injected into the inflow; the piercing means is transferred fromthe retracted position into the extended position by a release elementof the dispenser; the cartridge receptacle is preferably moved againstthe fixed release element such that the piercing means is transferredfrom the retracted position into the extended position; during or afterthe insertion of the cartridge system into the holder, a fasteningflange of the holder is operated by a release mechanism that isactuatable manually or by a motor, such that the fastening flangeengages around the cartridge receptacle in a form-fitting and/orforce-fitting manner, and/or such that the fastening flange is shiftedsuch that a relative movement between the cartridge receptacle and therelease element in contact with the piercing means is generated, withthe result that the piercing means is transferred from the retractedposition into the extended position; the release mechanism is actuatedby manual pivoting of a hand lever about an axis of rotationsubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cartridge; therelease mechanism converts the rotary movement of the hand lever aboutthe axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis into a movementin translation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis by meansof a transmission, with the result that the fastening flange is moved inthe direction of the release element; in order to influence the foam onthe beverage or foodstuff, the volumetric flow of the diluent iscontrolled or regulated; the solvent is metered intermittently; thesubstrate in the cartridge is metered proportionally ornon-proportionally to the volumetric flow of the solvent; in order toinfluence a level of foam on the beverage or foodstuff, the inclinationof a container, in which the beverage or foodstuff is collected, ischanged; the inclination is controlled and/or regulated as a function oftime and/or of the filling level in the container; temporally before,during or after the insertion of the cartridge system into the holderand/or the injection of compressed air into the cartridge and/or theinjection of the diluent into the mixing chamber and/or the shifting ofthe fastening flange with respect to the release element, the productidentifier is read by the identifier detector; the read productidentifier is evaluated by an evaluation unit and the injection of thecompressed air and/or of the diluent and/or the shifting of thefastening flange with respect to the release element takes place onlywhen the product identifier can be verified by the evaluation unit; theproperties of the injected diluent and in particular the temporalprofile of the volumetric flow, overall volume, pressure, deliverypauses, temperature and/or carbonation of the injected diluent arecontrolled depending on the verified product identifier; and theproperties of the injected compressed air and in particular the temporalprofile of the volumetric flow, overall volume, delivery pauses and/orpressure of the injected compressed air are controlled depending on theverified product identifier.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   1 Cartridge-   2 Direction of movement-   3 Neck-   4 Connecting region-   5 Flange-   6 Wall region-   7 Bottom region-   8 Positioning and/or covering means, indentation and/or protuberance-   9 Inflow of the substance, piercing means-   10 Cartridge receptacle-   11 Outflow of substance plus solvent/water-   12 Direction of flow of substance plus solvent/water-   13 Mixing chamber-   14 Closure, membrane-   15 Solvent inflow, water inflow-   16 Piercing means, spike-   17 Outflow channels-   18 Gas inlet-   19 Seal, collar seal-   20 Fastening means, collar-   21 Support-   22 Duct-   23 Indentation and/or protuberance of the cartridge receptacle-   24 Holder-   25 Guide for the cartridge receptacle-   26 Cutout-   27 Guide edge-   28 Spike guide-   29 Flattened region-   30 Latching strip-   31 Compressed-air line-   32 Compressed-air outlet-   33 Line-   34 Fastening flange-   35 Liquid connection-   36 Release element-   37 Claw-   38 Product identifier-   39 Identifier detector-   40 Compressed-air connection

1. A dispenser having: a) a cartridge holder; wherein b) at least oneguide and/or twist prevention means for a cartridge receptacle and whichis part of the cartridge holder; and c) a compressed air-outlet is partof the cartridge holder and is connected to a compressed-air source. 2.The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge holder has acutout which at least partially receives the cartridge receptacle. 3.The dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the cutout and the cartridgereceptacle cooperate at least partially in a form-fitting manner.
 4. Thedispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge holder has a guidewhich cooperates with a circumference of the cartridge receptacle. 5.The dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the cutout and/or the guidehave an opening for a protrusion on the cartridge receptacle.
 6. Thedispenser according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge holder has aliquid connection.
 7. (canceled)
 8. The dispenser according to claim 1,wherein the cartridge holder has a release element in order to transfera piercing means of the cartridge receptacle from a retracted positioninto an extended position.
 9. The dispenser according to claim 1,wherein the cartridge holder comprises a fastening flange which engagesaround the cartridge receptacle in a form-fitting and/or force-fittingmanner during or after insertion into the cartridge holder.
 10. Thedispenser according to claim 9, wherein the fastening flange comprises arelease mechanism which is configured such that actuation of the releasemechanism results in the fastening flange engaging around the cartridgereceptacle and/or in the fastening flange being shifted such that arelative movement between the cartridge receptacle and the releaseelement in contact with the piercing means is generated, with the resultthat the piercing means is transferred from the retracted position intothe extended position.
 11. The dispenser according to claim 10, whereinthe release mechanism comprises a hand lever for the manual actuationthereof, wherein, preferably, the hand lever is configured to berotatable about an axis of rotation substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the cartridge (1).
 12. The dispenser according toclaim 11, wherein the release mechanism comprises a transmission whichconverts a rotary movement of the hand lever about the axis of rotationparallel to the longitudinal axis into a movement in translationsubstantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, in particular intoraising or lowering of the cartridge receptacle.
 13. The dispenseraccording to claim 1, wherein the dispenser has an identifier detectorfor reading a product identifier on a cartridge and/or the cartridgereceptacle, wherein the identifier detector is arranged above and/orbehind the cartridge holder.
 14. The dispenser according to claim 1,wherein the dispenser has a support for a container in which thefinished beverage or foodstuff is collected; and wherein the support isintended to be pivotable and/or vertically adjustable.
 15. A systemhaving: a) a dispenser according to claim 1, and b) a cartridgereceptacle and a cartridge.
 16. The system as claimed in claim 15,wherein the cartridge receptacle has: i) an inflow for a diluent; ii) amixing chamber in which the diluent and a beverage substrate and/or afoodstuff substrate are mixed; and iii) an outflow; and wherein, withregard to a direction of flow of the diluent, a flow cross section ispreferably first expanded and then reduced again.
 17. The systemaccording to claim 15 wherein the mixing chamber has a protuberance. 18.The system according to claim 17, wherein the outflow is provided in theprotuberance.
 19. The system according to claim 15, wherein thecartridge is closed by means of a membrane; and wherein the cartridgereceptacle has a piercing means for perforating the membrane.
 20. Thesystem according to claim 19, wherein the cartridge receptacle has aspike guide in which the piercing means is mounted in a displaceablemanner; and wherein the piercing means is displaceable between aretracted position, in which the piercing means is away from themembrane, and an extended position, in which the piercing means piercesthe membrane of the cartridge and projects into the cartridge.
 21. Thesystem as claimed in claim 20, wherein at least one lateral channel forconveying the beverage substrate and/or a foodstuff substrate in adirection of the mixing chamber when the membrane is pierced by thepiercing means has been introduced into the outer wall of the piercingmeans.
 22. The system according to claim 19, wherein a compressed-airline is integrated into the piercing means; wherein a compressed-airconnection of the compressed-air line for connecting to a compressed-airsource is formed on a side of the piercing means that is remote from thecartridge; wherein the compressed-air connection is accessible fromoutside the cartridge receptacle; and wherein a compressed-air outlet ofthe compressed-air line for blowing the compressed air into thecartridge is formed on a side of the piercing means that faces thecartridge.
 23. The system according to claim 22, wherein the system isconfigured such that the compressed-air connection is coupled to thecompressed-air outlet of the cartridge holder when the cartridgereceptacle has been inserted into the cartage holder and/or the releasemechanism for the fastening flange is actuated.
 24. The system accordingto claim 15, wherein the inflow and the outflow are provided at oppositeends of the cartridge receptacle.
 25. The system according to claim 15,wherein the piercing means is provided in a manner aligned with theinflow and the outflow.
 26. The system according to claim 15, whereinthe cartridge is provided on or in the cartridge receptacle, wherein thecartridge has a wall region, one end of which is adjoined by aconnecting region which is closed by a membrane, and at the opposite endof which optionally a bottom region is provided; and wherein the wallregion and optionally the bottom region define a cavity whichaccommodates a beverage substrate and/or a foodstuff substrate.
 27. Thesystem according to claim 26, wherein the connecting region has at leastone flange which is provided with a positioning means and/or coveringmeans.
 28. The system according to claim 27, wherein the positioningmeans and/or the covering means is an indentation and/or a protuberancewhich protrudes from a circumference of the flange.
 29. The systemaccording to claim 26, wherein a neck is provided between the wallregion and the connecting region.
 30. The system according to claim 26,wherein the membrane is fastened by being sealed to the flange.
 31. Thesystem according to claim 26, wherein the cartridge receptacle isreleasably fastened to the connecting region of the cartridge.
 32. Thesystem according to claim 27, wherein the at least one flange cooperatesin a sealing manner with the cartridge receptacle.
 33. The systemaccording to claim 26, wherein the cartridge and the cartridgereceptacle are connected together in a rotationally fixed manner. 34.The system according to claim 26 wherein a covering means covers theoutflow of the cartridge receptacle.
 35. The system according to claim15, wherein the cartridge is provided with a product identifier: whereinthe product identifier is arranged on a side of the cartridge that facesthe identifier detector; and wherein the cartridge has a substantiallyplanar surface portion in the region of the product identifier.
 36. Amethod for producing a beverage with the system according to claim 15,characterized by the following steps: a) inserting a cartridge systemmade up of the cartridge and the cartridge receptacle into the cartridgeholder, b) establishing a fluidic connection between a fluid source ofthe dispenser and an inflow of the cartridge receptacle; c) establishinga compressed-air connection between a compressed-air source of thedispenser and a compressed-air connection of the cartridge receptacle;d) perforating a membrane of the cartridge by transferring a piercingmeans of the cartridge receptacle from a retracted position into anextended position; e) transferring a beverage substrate and/or afoodstuff substrate from the cartridge into a mixing chamber of thecartridge receptacle by injecting compressed air into the cartridgethrough a compressed-air connection of the cartridge receptacle, f)injecting a diluent into the mixing chamber through the inflow; and g)discharging the beverage produced in the mixing chamber by blending thebeverage substrate and/or the foodstuff substrate with the diluent bymeans of an outflow of the cartridge receptacle.
 37. The methodaccording to claim 36, wherein the diluent is cooled and/or carbonatedbefore being injected into the inflow.
 38. The method according to claim36, wherein the piercing means is transferred from the retractedposition into the extended position by a release element of thedispenser, wherein the cartridge receptacle is moved against the fixedrelease element such that the piercing means is transferred from theretracted position into the extended position.
 39. The method as claimedin claim 38, wherein, during or after the insertion of the cartridgesystem into the cartridge holder, a fastening flange of the cartageholder is operated by a release mechanism that is actuatable manually orby a motor, such that the fastening flange engages around the cartridgereceptacle in a form-fitting and/or a force-fitting manner, and/or suchthat the fastening flange is shifted such that a relative movementbetween the cartridge receptacle and the release element in contact withthe piercing means is generated, with the result that the piercing meansis transferred from the retracted position into the extended position.40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the release mechanism isactuated by manual pivoting of a hand lever about an axis of rotationsubstantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge.
 41. Themethod according to claim 40, wherein the release mechanism convertsrotary movement of the hand lever about an axis of rotation parallel tothe longitudinal axis into a movement in translation substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis by means of a transmission, with theresult that the fastening flange is moved in the direction of therelease element.
 42. The method according to claim 36, wherein in orderto influence a foam on the beverage or a foodstuff, a volumetric flow ofthe diluent is controlled or regulated.
 43. The method according toclaim 42, wherein the diluent is metered intermittently.
 44. The methodaccording to claim 42, wherein the substrate in the cartridge is meteredproportionally or non-proportionally to the volumetric flow of thesolvent.
 45. The method according to claim 42, wherein in order toinfluence a level of the foam on the beverage or the foodstuff, theinclination of a container, in which the beverage or the foodstuff iscollected, is changed.
 46. The method according to claim 45, wherein theinclination is controlled and/or regulated as a function of time and/orof a filling level in the container.
 47. The method according to claim36, wherein, temporally before, during or after the insertion of thecartridge system into the cartridge holder and/or the injection ofcompressed air into the cartridge and/or the injection of the diluentinto the mixing chamber and/or the shifting of the fastening flange withrespect to the release element, the product identifier is read by theidentifier detector.
 48. The method according to claim 47, wherein theproduct identifier after being read is evaluated by an evaluation unitand the injection of the compressed air and/or of the diluent and/or theshifting of the fastening flange with respect to the release elementtakes place only when the product identifier can be verified by theevaluation unit.
 49. The according to claim 48, wherein properties ofthe injected diluent and a temporal profile of a volumetric flow,overall volume, pressure, delivery pauses, temperature and/orcarbonation of the injected diluent are controlled depending on theproduct identifier after being verified.
 50. The method according toclaim 48, wherein properties of the injected compressed air and atemporal profile of a volumetric flow, overall volume, delivery pausesand/or pressure of the injected compressed air are controlled dependingon verified product identifier after being verified.